2025 Annual Conference: Emergency Management

Friday, October 17th, 8:00 - 11:30 am | Morning Session

Emergency Management: Emergency Management: Foundational Elements of Emergency Management for Fire Chiefs and Officers 
Greg Hayes

Session Description
This presentation is designed to provide fire chiefs and officers with a critical understanding of the foundational elements of emergency management during disasters. Attendees will explore the full emergency management process, from preparedness and response to recovery and mitigation, gaining insight into how each phase integrates into effective disaster operations.

The course will also delve into the complex interplay between policy, people, and politics during disaster management. Participants will learn how public policies shape response strategies, how leadership and human dynamics influence outcomes, and how political environments can impact decision-making and resource allocation.

Additionally, the course will clearly define the distinct roles and responsibilities of the Incident Command Post (ICP) and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) as outlined in the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Participants will gain a practical understanding of how these two critical components work separately but in coordination to ensure an effective, organized, and unified disaster response.

By the end of this session, fire service leaders will be better equipped to navigate the operational, organizational, and political challenges they face when managing major incidents and disasters.